Braves release 1B Mejia to play in Japan

ATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Braves have released minor-league first baseman Ernesto Mejia after reaching a deal for him to play with the Seibu Lions in Japan.

The 28-year-old Meija will report to the Japanese Pacific League team next week.

He was hitting .354 (28 of 79) with seven homers and 24 RBIs for Triple-A Gwinnett this season after failing to make the Atlanta roster in spring training. Overall, Mejia has appeared in 937 minor league games over parts of 12 seasons and owns a career average of .282 with 149 home runs and 598 RBI.

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Last season, he hit a career-high 28 home runs for Gwinnett and led the International League with 83 RBI.